Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, offers several different series of 802.11ax indoor, outdoor, and remote access points. The vendor’s access points range from low-end, low-cost solutions for homes, smaller businesses, and remote work to high-end hardware that supports a large number of devices while maintaining speed. Aruba 802.11ax access points come equipped with WPA3 and Enhanced Open for wireless security as well as additional features that makes wireless network management easier and more in-depth for IT teams.

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With its comprehensive AI/ML-based network management features and emphasis on Internet of Things deployments for mid-tier solutions, Aruba offers powerful solutions for dense environments. The vendor offers a number of access points for both indoor and outdoor use, delivering high performance and speed even in rougher environments. However, the number of different access points on offer may make it difficult to decide which Aruba AP is the right fit for your business.

Aruba Networks, Inc.
1344 Crossman Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1113
United States
+1 408-227-4500
www.arubanetworks.com

Cambium Networks offers the XV2-2 and XV3-8, two 802.11ax access points that natively feature public cloud, private cloud and on-premises management solutions. The XV2-2 features two radios for 802.11ax access while the XV3-8 features five radios that can be configured in numerous ways. Both access points come with WPA3 and WPA2 security to protect access points, wireless networks, and users and devices. Cambium also offers return and repair service on all access points from the date of purchase until the end of life of the product.

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Gartner has highlighted Cambium Networks’ low cost of ownership for its wireless hardware, owing to the company’s reduced complexity and integrated automation via its management platforms. While Cambium Networks is a leader in wireless technology, clients looking to add both wireless and wired hardware may look elsewhere as Cambium lags behind in wired network technology. Cambium Networks acquired Xirrus in 2019 to add that vendor’s wireless solutions to its hardware base.

3800 Golf Rd
Rolling Meadows, IL
United States
+1 (888) 863-5250
www.cambiumnetworks.com

Cisco is one of the dominant leaders in network technology, offering both software and hardware for wireless network deployment and management. The vendor’s 802.11ax access points, the Catalyst 9100 Series, offers critical 802.11ax features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, support for embedded wireless controllers, and flexible radio assignment. Cisco also offers Meraki-branded access points for cloud-managed wireless networking, as well as software to help IT teams remotely manage and reconfigure access points and other network hardware.

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As one of the juggernauts in network hardware and software, Cisco is an obvious choice for companies looking to invest in 802.11ax. The Catalyst line’s reliability is often praised, and with decades of experience in the field, Cisco’s technical expertise speaks for itself. While some Gartner Peer Reviews clients have noted that the Catalyst 9000 line has some bugs, Cisco’s worldwide reach and the Catalyst line’s versatility has led to an overall highly positive reception to Catalyst access points overall.

170 West Tasman Dr
San Jose, CA
United States
+1 (408) 526-4000
www.cisco.com

The D-Link Nuclias line of access points is a set of 802.11ax-compatible APs designed for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs). The Nuclias Cloud line offers cloud-managed access points while the Nuclias Connect line is for on-premises management. All of D-Link’s 802.11ax access points come equipped with standard Wi-Fi 6 technology as well as support for WPA3, efficient coverage sharing through Airtime Fairness, support for Power over Ethernet 802.3at. D-Link also offers several other network hardware solutions in addition to security cameras.

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Smaller businesses are a clear market target for D-Link, and thus should be considered by any SMB looking to upgrade to 802.11ax. D-Link’s cloud management solution provides users with easy access to an unlimited number of the company’s access points; Gartner compliments this as an inexpensive solution for cloud-based AP management. D-Link primarily focuses on the EMEA and Asia / Pacific markets, so support for companies in the Americas may find service and support lacking.

1100 CommScope Pl
Hickory, NC
+1 (828) 324-2200
United States
us.dlink.com/en

EnGenius is a networking software and hardware vendor that offers a number of solutions for home and business Wi-Fi networks. The EnGenius Cloud Managed ECW230 is an 802.11ax-compatible access point that comes equipped with cloud-based management capabilities. With all the features of 802.11ax included (OFDMA, MU-MIMO, spatial reuse, etc.), the ECW230 access point delivers high-density support and maximum speeds of up to 2,400 Mbps on the 5 GHz radio band and is backward-compatible with 11ac/a/b/g/n client devices.

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The EnGenius Cloud Managed ECW230 comes equipped with all the standard features of 802.11ax while also providing easy-to-use cloud-based management. The EnGenius Cloud application helps simplify access point management by delivering push notifications about network devices to your IT and network teams. Reviewers generally agree that the ECW230 is a reliable access point, though some critics and users have complained about the price of the unit.

1580 Scenic Ave
Costa Mesa, CA
United States
+1 (714) 432-8668
www.engeniustech.com

Extreme Networks is a networking company based in San Jose, California that has been offering numerous network hardware and software solutions for 25 years. The vendor’s 802.11ax access point library is extensive, as Extreme manufactures multiple device types in different tiers to let customers choose how heavy-duty their Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure is. Extreme offers the AP302W for high-performance 802.11ax access, the AP360i/e and AP460C access points for entry-level Wi-Fi 6 performance, and an abundance of premium access points for businesses.

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Through a combination of mergers and acquisitions, Extreme Networks has gathered expertise and technical know-how from various companies in the networking space. Combined with the ExtremeCloud IQ platform, customers can easily manage all devices on a network, even those that don’t natively support Extreme’s fabric. However, as Gartner points out, some features may be missing as Extreme continues to consolidate its branches and acquisitions.

6480 Via Del Oro
San Jose, CA
United States
+1 (408) 579-2800
www.extremenetworks.com

Huawei is a China-based networking and electronics company that, as of 2012, is the top telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world. The vendor’s 802.11ax hardware includes the CloudEngine line of switches and the AirEngine set of wireless access points that also incorporates a 5G-powered antenna for seamless network and mobile switching. Huawei’s Wi-Fi 6 lines include the AirEngine 8760-X1-PRO, 6760-X1, 6760-X1E and 5760-51 access points for indoor wireless access and the AirEngine 8760R-X1 and 8760R-X1E for outdoor wireless.

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Huawei has been a leading provider in networking technology around the globe for over 30 years, and rebranded its campus products to the CloudEngine and AirEngine lines to focus on 802.11ax in 2019. According to Dell’Oro, Huawei ranks as the number one Wi-Fi 6 vendor globally, excluding North America. The vendor’s primary focus remains on Asian countries (China in particular); companies in other regions should take this into consideration when evaluating Huawei.

20400 Stevens Creek Blvd
Cupertino, CA
United States
+1 (408) 660-2888
e.huawei.com

Juniper Networks is a networking technology vendor that focuses on applying artificial intelligence and automation into its products. The vendor offers a number of 802.11ax-compatible access points, including the high-performance AP43, AP63, and AP21 models and the AP33, AP32, and AP12 for mid-level options. Juniper’s acquisition of Mist in 2019 has put the company at the forefront of developing AI solutions for networking technologies, and all of its current network hardware offerings include Mist AI compatibility built-in.

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For companies and IT teams that place a high amount of importance on security, Fortinet is definitely a vendor to consider thanks to its background on network security solutions. Thanks to its unified management platform and cybersecurity focus, users can rest easy knowing they have a safe network infrastructure. With multiple offerings for device management, however, some user reviews have noted that managing Fortinet access points is complex and unintuitive.

1133 Innovation Way
Sunnyvale, CA
United States
+1 (888) 586-4737
www.juniper.net

Linksys is a networking hardware and equipment company that delivers network devices for home and business use. The vendor offers 802.11ax-compatible access points in the Velop line in two different speeds: the Velop AX4200 that goes up to 4.2 Gbps and the Velop AX5300 that goes up to 5.3 Gbps. Linksys’s Velop Wi-Fi 6 access points can support up to 120 devices at once depending on the model. The Velop line focuses on mesh network access points and routers, improving coverage area across enterprises with larger spaces or more complex infrastructures.

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Offering tri-band 802.11ax access points and routers, Linksys provides everything that homeowners and business owners need for their Wi-Fi 6 deployment. With the vendor’s focus on mesh networking technology, users can be happy knowing that the entire space they want to cover will have Wi-Fi access. Linksys currently does not offer 802.11ax access points designed specifically for enterprise use, though user reviews of the vendor’s home Wi-Fi solutions are generally highly positive.

121 Theory Dr
Irvine, CA
United States
+1 (310) 751-5100
www.linksys.com

NETGEAR is a computer networking hardware and equipment vendor that operates business segments for retail, commercial, and service providers. The vendor has been operating in the network sector since 1996 and currently supplies over 24,000 retail stores around the globe with its products. The company offers several 802.11ax-compatible access points, including the WAX204, WAX214, and WAX218 for on-site business access points and the WAX610, WAX610Y, WAX620, and WAX 630 for access points with cloud-based remote management.

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NETGEAR offers various network hardware solutions including network-attached storage, surveillance cameras, access points, routers, and switches. The NETGEAR Insight app is a convenient way for home and business customers to manage all of their NETGEAR network devices through one centralized platform. User reviews note that NETGEAR access points and switches are suitable for smaller businesses but aren’t quite up-to-snuff for larger enterprises.

350 E. Plumeria Dr
San Jose, CA
United States
+1 (408) 907-8000
www.netgear.com

TP-Link is a network equipment vendor based in China whose products include access points, high-speed modems, routers, mobile devices, switches, and home automation devices. Unlike most network hardware companies, TP-Link manufactures its products in-house rather than relying on outside facilities to handle device construction. For 802.11ax access points, TP-Link offers two access points that can integrate with the TP-Link Omada cloud solution: the EAP620 HD wireless dual band AP and the EAP660 HD wireless dual band multi-gigabit AP.

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As one of China’s top network hardware and equipment providers, TP-Link should be a top choice for anyone considering 802.11ax access points, especially those in Asia/Pacific territories. User reviews often comment positively on the value of TP-Link’s Omada access points compared to the unit price. As Gartner points out, however, TP-Link only has limited support for Internet of Things devices, reducing its usefulness for companies with a large subset of smart devices.

South Bldg 5 Keyuan Rd
Central Zone Shenzhen
+86 (755) 2661-2350
www.tp-link.com

Ubiquiti is a computer networking hardware and software company that offers wireless data communication and wired products. For 802.11ax-compatible access points, Ubiquiti offers the U6-LR as a high-performance AP for enterprise use and the U6-Lite for homes and smaller businesses. These access points support up to 300 devices simultaneously for both campus and branch office access networks. Ubiquiti places a large amount of its focus on the North American market, with the EMEA region also a major sales target.

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Ubiquiti is a good fit for companies with a strong North American focus looking for either cloud-based or on-site management. Gartner highlighted Ubiquiti’s cost-competitive price point and business model incorporating either SaaS or on-premise management. Currently, Ubiquiti’s public cloud-managed access points are only available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; customers in other countries should look elsewhere if cloud management is important for your wireless strategy.

685 3rd Ave
New York, NY
United States
+1 (408) 942-3085
www.ui.com